Australia proposes defence bill to expand ministerial and official powers

The Australian government has introduced the Defence Legislation Amendment (Accelerating Capability and Protecting Bases) Bill 2026, which seeks to grant significant new authorities to the Defence Minister and various public servants. The bill aims to accelerate capability development in line with the 2026 National Defence Strategy.

Key provisions include the creation of a Defence Capability Framework and Defence Security Zones. These frameworks would allow the Commonwealth to override certain state and territory laws to facilitate multi-site operations and mobile activities. Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil stated the bill replaces fragmented arrangements with a clear statutory framework and strengthened oversight by the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force.

Legal and national security experts have raised concerns regarding the expansion of executive power and secrecy provisions. Critics, including human rights lawyers and academics, have warned that the bill could allow officials to bypass settled Australian laws and noted that the rapid legislative progress has limited the time available for expert analysis.